Somali Language Specialist Ref. 3484

MI5; London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in national security is seeking Somali linguists to join their team. This exciting role involves analyzing Somali materials, providing critical insights, and supporting intelligence efforts to protect the UK. With a focus on language proficiency and cultural understanding, you will play a vital part in safeguarding national interests. The position offers comprehensive training, development opportunities, and a supportive environment where your skills can thrive. If you are passionate about languages and want to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Recognition schemes

Development budgets

Flexible working options

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities (gym, restaurant, coffee bars)

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Proficient in Somali language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Excellent written English and good knowledge of Somali culture.

Responsibilities

• Analyze material in Somali and provide insights to analysts.
• Support high-value activities that help keep the country safe.

Skills

Somali language proficiency

English writing skills

Cultural knowledge of Somalia

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

C1 level in Somali

Tools

Language technology tools

Job description

Job description

Flexible Working: Full-time, part-time, and compressed hours are possible. Please note, the MI5 role is office-based only. At GCHQ, home working is available up to one day per week, but beyond that, it is an office-based role. Remote working from another location is not initially available but may be possible after 18-24 months, when you may have the opportunity to work from any of our GCHQ offices in Cheltenham, London, or Manchester.

Your knowledge of Somali could unlock a career in intelligence. By joining MI5 or GCHQ, you can play your part in protecting the UK.

About Us

MI5 and GCHQ are part of the UK’s Intelligence Services. We work together to safeguard Britain’s people, interests, and businesses from threats such as cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. Working across our vital missions, you’ll deliver impact at the heart of national security within a supportive and inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive.

The Role

If you have a passion for languages, working as a language specialist for the UK intelligence agencies offers a unique opportunity. You’ll support high-value activities that help keep the country safe. We’re looking for Somali linguists for roles that go beyond translation and transcription. Your knowledge of Somali language, culture, ideology, and politics will be a significant asset in safeguarding the UK.

The role involves analyzing material in Somali, providing insights to analysts, investigators, and operational teams. You’ll work autonomously, prioritizing tasks and communicating with stakeholders. With an in-depth understanding of Somali language and culture, you’ll identify nuances, extract key information from spoken and written materials, and contextualize it for others. Support for language technology tools and AI may be required, and interpretation support is available through full training. Working under pressure at times, you’ll be supported by managers and colleagues. Your expertise will be highly valued, and collaboration across teams is essential, utilizing language technology to piece together intelligence and support informed decisions.

This role involves a mix of individual work and group projects, with opportunities for mentoring, skill development, and knowledge sharing.

Please note, all MI5 contracts include a mobility clause, which may require serving away from your usual work location for periods of duty or training.

About You

No formal experience or qualifications are required. However, you must have proficient Somali language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—and excellent written English. A good knowledge of Somali culture, history, religion, and politics is essential. You should be passionate about the language and proficient at C1 level or equivalent (see below).

At C1 level, you can:

• Understand demanding texts and conversations
• Express ideas fluently
• Use the language effectively in social, academic, or professional contexts
• Create detailed, well-structured texts on complex topics

We evaluate passive skills (reading and listening) at GCHQ to the equivalent of C1, and MI5 requires C1 across all four skills. For more details, see the CEFR self-assessment grid.

Your proficiency may come from growing up in a multilingual family, military training, or academic study. You should be inquisitive, curious, and a problem-solver, asking questions and thinking analytically. You’ll enjoy working with others, be confident in communication, and pride yourself on your insights.

During the interview, you’ll need to pass a language proficiency test involving translation and interpretation of various media. Results will be considered alongside role requirements. Travel expenses are not reimbursed.

Training and Development

Upon joining, you’ll receive comprehensive induction and training on tools, methods, and context. Ongoing training includes language maintenance classes, immersion sessions, and internal courses. Funding for language qualifications like CertTrans and DipTrans is available.

Both MI5 and GCHQ support your professional growth, whether through language skills, management, or analytical capabilities, tailored to your interests and goals.

Rewards and Benefits

MI5 offers a starting salary of £39,152 with potential language allowances. GCHQ offers £36,408, plus an additional £3,120 after 6 months. Benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus holidays
• Recognition schemes
• Development budgets (MI5)
• Flexible working options
• Interest-free season ticket loan (GCHQ)
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities (gym, restaurant, coffee bars)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting the society we serve. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. Details about our commitment are available on our websites:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/working-at-MI5/diversity

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/life-at-GCHQ/diversity-inclusion.html

We’re Disability Confident

As a leader in the scheme, we aim to offer fair interview opportunities to disabled candidates who meet the role criteria, including demonstrating motivation and passing the language test.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:

• Application and eligibility sift
• In-person language tests in London
• Interview and assessment centre (London or Cheltenham)

A hearing test may also be required. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Successful candidates will proceed through each stage, with the process potentially taking 9-12 months including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Full eligibility criteria are available at:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs

https://www.GCHQ-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply.html

The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. More info is available at:

https://www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs/vetting

Consider the security implications of applying from outside the UK. Use a separate, non-identifiable email address for correspondence. MI5 roles are based in London, GCHQ in Cheltenham; consider relocation and associated costs. Applications from overseas should be made when visiting the UK. Discuss your application only with close contacts.